4/6/2009 SUNY Albany @ Union College

Another Wednesday game for SUNY Albany....played at Union College in Schenectady, New York. Not quite a full size pitch, but an AMAZING location. The Union pitch is literally located in the center of the campus, beside the Nott Memorial. (the farside of hte building in the picture). There's a sewer drain in one try zone, they cover this with a purpose built pad exactly the size of the drain. I question the safety and application of this, but w/e. Many trees also reach over the end of the try zones into the field of play....but they are deemed in touch on contact.

Game went pretty well, back and forth the first half with a close game at halftime. Albany really opened it up the 2nd half though, racking up the score. In the last few minutes Union began to resort to a bit of foul play with some kick obstruction and high tackles. This was penalized and the game ended at next opportunity...as the result was in no doubt.

It should also be noted that the Union side was absurdly abrasive...I had never had so much abuse for no reason.

Here is the SUNY Albany game report:

The Danes traveled to Schenectady, NY for the final test of the year in a Wednesday afternoon contest at Union’s historic pitch. The Danes started out with good pace and execution but fell in to disorganization as Union got on the board first with a long run down the sideline by #14 Jason Either. Union would continually knock on the door but stingy defense kept them out. Union pressure kept up inside the ten meter line but an overzealous forward was whistled up for over the top. Cono Cirone took a quick tap penalty and two passes later fullback Alex Wilman was off for 90 meters and paydirt.

The second half showed Albany at it’s best. They were able to stretch the defense by spinning ball to the wing and took advantage of keeping Union on the back foot. Mike Cyr [center] would score next under the left post. Lock James Wrynn would add a score as the result of a truck and trail inside the Union 15. Winger Jack Reissman took a score in from another quick tap penalty and James Richards would finish it off with a scamper down the right sideline ,from just past the 50 , to seal the deal and ending with a four game win streak

The Albany All ”B”lacks tied Union, 5-5. Albany again gave up the first try as Union winger Paul Earp sprinted in to the far corner to down the ball. Albany would counter when Lock Matt Zappala would score off the base of a ruck. Per coach’s orders ryan Sweet attempted a drop kick, instead of place kick, and it sailed wide. The Albany second side showed great improvement over the course of the spring and look to supply the first side with plenty of talent for the fall New York State Rugby Conference season.